Cultural relations and education policy forms the “third pillar” of German foreign policy, as Willy Brandt once said, complementing Germany’s diplomatic and economic relations with third countries.

The FEDERAL FOREIGN OFFICE coordinates and supports numerous programmes and institutions around the globe.

THE GOETHE-INSTITUT is the Federal Republic of Germany’s cultural institution operational worldwide. It promotes the study of German abroad and encourage international cultural exchange and also foster knowledge about Germany by providing information on its culture, society and politics. The Goethe-Institut has played a central role in the cultural and educational policies of Germany for over 50 years.

ARS BALTICA is a network which since 1991 has been connecting the Baltic Sea states in a cultural collaboration. Its power and uniqueness lie in combining cultural policy development and close co-operation with cultural operators. Created on the initiative of the Ministries of Culture of the Baltic Sea Region, the network maintains tight links with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (the CBSS). 

BIBLIOTHECA BALTICA aims at uniting all types of libraries in the Baltic Sea Area in recognition of their joint responsibility to increase their efforts in preserving, developing, cataloging, publicizing, and making accessible their part of the Baltic Sea Area heritage. It is an association for all libraries with collections and programs of relevance for the heritage of the Baltic Sea Region.

The mandate for NORDIC CULTURE POINT is to promote and develop Nordic cultural co-operation further.
The work and activities of the institution must have a high Nordic profile and contribute to Nordic synergy. It is organised as a Nordic institution in its own right, with a board operating under the auspices of the Nordic Council of Ministers.